10 Defining Moments in the Life of Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.
1875-09-01
1875-09-01
Studies at Graz University of Technology
Tesla studied physics, mathematics, and philosophy at the Graz University of Technology.
19
Education
1882-01-01
1882-01-01
Works at Continental Edison Company
Tesla began working as an electrical engineer at the Continental Edison Company in Paris, designing improvements to their direct current dynamos.
25
Career
1884-06-06
1884-06-06
Emigrates to the United States
Tesla arrived in New York City with little more than the clothes on his back and a letter of introduction to Thomas Edison.
27
Immigration
1885-12-01
1885-12-01
Founds Tesla Electric Light & Manufacturing
Tesla formed his own company, focusing on arc lighting systems and developing early versions of his induction motor.
29
Business
1888-05-01
1888-05-01
Patents AC induction motor
Tesla received several patents for his AC induction motor and power transmission system, which were crucial for the 'War of Currents'.
31
Innovation
1888-07-01
1888-07-01
Partnership with George Westinghouse
Westinghouse acquired Tesla's patents for the polyphase AC system, leading to a significant collaboration in electrical power distribution.
31
Collaboration
1892-02-03
1892-02-03
Lectures on AC power in Europe
Tesla delivered lectures in London and Paris, demonstrating the superiority of his AC system to a global audience.
35
Public Speaking
1893-05-01
1893-05-01
World's Columbian Exposition
Tesla's AC system was used to light the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, a triumph that showcased its efficacy.
36
Exhibition
1895-11-16
1895-11-16
Niagara Falls Hydroelectric Power Plant
Tesla's AC system was chosen for the power plant at Niagara Falls, marking a major milestone in electrical engineering.
39
Project
1901-01-01
1901-01-01
Begins Wardenclyffe Tower project
Tesla started construction on the Wardenclyffe Tower, intended for wireless power transmission and global communication.
44
Project